Posted July 3, 2017

 

WILMINGTON, Del. – ECLAT Textile, a technology-driven textile pioneer in Taiwan, is launching a far-sighted "Intentional Knit" initiative designed to offer customers customized, application-specific fabrics to meet specific performance parameters. 

 

Based on INVISTA's innovative LYCRA® SPORT fiber, and scientifically certified to meet clearly defined Power-Comfort-Energy (PCE™) index criteria, the new fabrics will be rolled out at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2017 show July 26-29 in Salt Lake City.

 

Working closely with INVISTA, ECLAT aims to extend its reputation as a one-stop source of cutting-edge textiles, while simultaneously helping customers and their brands to differentiate and dominate in the global marketplace for sportswear.

 

ECLAT's “Intentional Knit” approach capitalizes on the industry trend towards athleisure – by seamlessly integrating casual, activewear and performance fabrics with INVISTA's LYCRA® SPORT technology, and using the PCE™ certification to develop and document fabrics that meet customers' needs perfectly. 

 

ECLAT's new "Intentional Knit" fabrics focus on three key themes:
 

• Relax – A new performance concept with built-in deodorizing and moisturizing capability;

• Connect – A refined, high-performance knitted concept that is windproof and water repellent; and

• Play – A rich mix of yarns and patterns that create a variety of unique jacquard designs.

 

"In today's global/competitive marketplace, innovation alone isn't enough. You also have to be able to clearly and concisely communicate to customers the advantages of fabrics employing a technology like LYCRA® SPORT. That's what the Power, Comfort and Energy index enables mills to do," said Huw Williams, INVISTA global segment director, activewear and outdoor.

 

Fabrics with LYCRA® SPORT technology are scientifically engineered to deliver exceptional comfort, fit and support to stretch activewear. They combine the proven stretch technology of LYCRA® fiber with demanding testing standards that measure fabric performance on a 1-10 scale across the three key PCE™ indexes:

 

• Power – Measures the shaping or compression effect;

• Comfort – Consumers often complain about being uncomfortable in compression or shaping garments. The higher the comfort index, the more comfort the wearer experiences; and

• Energy – The lower the energy index, the lower the effort needed to move the fabric, making it ideal for competitive sports activities. This advanced fabric property will be a new point of differentiation for performance fabrics.

 

Despite many recent advances in activewear, studies show there is still a gap between consumer expectations and actual garment performance in real life sports activities. However, where some see a problem, INVISTA and its forward-looking customers envisage a tremendous business opportunity.

 

"By testing, certifying and labeling the enhancements that fabrics with LYCRA® SPORT technology deliver, we can help everyone in the value chain – from mills to activewear designers, manufacturers and brands – to select the benefits they desire, but find lacking in much of the activewear fabrics currently on the market," Williams said.

 

Source: INVISTA